Terrazzo Design: Avoiding Stress-Related Deterioration and Cracking
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 25, Issue 6
Abstract
Terrazzo is a high-grade flooring widely specified by architects for its aesthetic and durable characteristics. However, misunderstanding of material behavior and specifications can result in early deterioration, leading to additional cost and questions of liability. Deficient terrazzo performance is usually avoidable and clearly unacceptable in a material specified for its durability. In this paper, examples are used to define common cases of inadequate performance and mitigation strategies. The underlying causes of terrazzo deterioration are addressed in regard to stress concentrations, differential movements, impact loads, and terrazzo material properties. Ultimately, expected performance relies on effective interaction among the multidisciplinary team working on the project, including the architect, engineer, contractor, and terrazzo subcontractor. It is therefore important to provide a comprehensive program of defined expectations, proper specifications, intelligent design and detailing, quality assurance of the installed product, and communication among the project team. With these in place, durable terrazzo flooring can be consistently provided.
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References
Civjan, S. A., Mitchell, M., Fortin, D., and Mann, R. (2011). “Deterioration of terrazzo.” J. Archit. Eng., 17(2), 51–58.
National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association (NTMA) (2010a). Home page. 〈http://www.ntma.com/〉 (Sep. 20, 2010).
National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association (NTMA) (2010b). “Guide specification for sand cushion terrazzo.” 〈http://www.ntma.com/specifications.php〉 (Sep. 20, 2010).
National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association (NTMA) (2010c). “Guide specification for terrazzo over permanent metal forms.” 〈http://www.ntma.com/specifications.php〉 (Sep. 20, 2010).
National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association (NTMA) (2010d). “Guide specification for epoxy terrazzo.” 〈http://www.ntma.com/specifications.php〉 (Sep. 20, 2010).
National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association (NTMA) (2010e). “Guide specification for bonded terrazzo.” 〈http://www.ntma.com/specifications.php〉 (Sep. 20, 2010).
National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association (NTMA) (2010f). “Guide specification for monolithic terrazzo.” 〈http://www.ntma.com/specifications.php〉 (Sep. 20, 2010).
National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association (NTMA) (2010g). “Guide specification for use of epoxy terrazzo accent features in sand cushion terrazzo.” 〈http://www.ntma.com/specifications.php〉 (Sep. 20, 2010).
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 25 • Issue 6 • December 2011
Pages: 514 - 521
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 19, 2010
Accepted: Oct 15, 2010
Published online: Oct 15, 2010
Published in print: Dec 1, 2011
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